My husband & I are trying to conceive & have been trying for several months. I recently discovered that his once a day drug use could be the cause of why I have not conceived yet. (I've always gotten pregnant without even trying- our the first pregnancy resulted in a mc.) He has stopped using marijuana two weeks ago but that has caused his blood pressure to rise to an unhealthy rate (he gets stressed out & anxiety when he doesn't smoke.) His high blood pressure is now also causing erectile dysfunction.

What advice do you have for effective ways to conceive with a the odds stacked against you? What about the rumors that having sex more than every 12 hours, when ovulating, will hurt a fertility problematic man's chance of having good sperm to plant?

I need some advice. I am worried that my husband may not want to try again next month without smoking. I'm also afraid that our daughter may grow up as an only child if I don't try to do this the right way.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Hello Mia:

What you discovered is simply more anti drug rumor. There is NO TRUTH whatsoever in the idea that smoking pot reduces sperm count. There are just as many little swimmers as before.

I also would NOT use pot as a blood pressure drug. THAT is NOT what it's for. If hubby has high blood pressure, there ARE drugs that'll reduce that WITHOUT causing a limp rod. IF his rod isn't working up to snuff, there's a drug to fix that - Viagra.

I don't expect you to believe an exconvict pot lover, like me, though... I do hope you'll do some research on your own. The truth IS out there.

excon

Actually he doesn't use it as a BP med, he uses it because he enjoys it. It regulates his mood. He is much calmer when he smokes, that's why I think his BP is elevated right now. He doesn't/ hasn't had erectile dysfunction in the past- just high blood pressure. Smoking also helps his ulcer pain- another thing that stress & anxiety cause when he doesn't smoke.

I used to be anti- pot person but have since changed my point of view. My husband has bi-polar disorder & was put on a cocktail of different meds, including high bp meds, to try & help him. I honestly know in my heart of hearts that all of those meds did more harm to him than anything pot would ever do. I have all ready started seeing commercials for law offices wanting to represent people for one of the drugs he was prescribed. They don't test long enough to decide what the long-term effects of these pills offer. I have never heard of anyone OD-ing or dying from smoking marijuana. If it was so bad why does the government give it to sick people?!

Anyway, not the point. The point is there are a lot of studies out there showing that marijuana causes the sperm to move too fast too quickly- therefore it tires & dies before it gets to the egg. What, if anything can I do on my end to help?

Hello again, Mia:

Well, you'll have to refer me to one of those studies. If you do, I promise that it's either a government sponsored site or right wing anti drug site.

In fact, Mia, there are NO studies... The last study done was in the 70's by a Presidential Commission that recommended decriminalization of pot. Since then, the government has said that it will arrest anybody who is in possession of marijuana - even (and especially) those who work in institutions (like college medical hospitals). Consequently, there are NO studies. Yes, of course, they're hiding something.

Given the above information, please refer me to ONE of these "studies", so I can tear it apart.

By the way, the government closed down IT'S medical marijuana program in the 80's. However, there is ONE guy who still gets it from the feds.

In ALL the other 12 states where medical marijuana is legal, the government doesn't supply it. These patients still have to go into the black market for their medicine. By the way, I'm one of them.

excon

Marijuana does have an unhealthy affect on sperm and male and/or female fertility. Yes, there is information to back that up. It can reduce count, impede proper motility, and it can reduce morphology (making it deformed). Does it automatically have ill effects on everyone? No; but that depends on the individual and their usage combined with other health issues they may have.

The drug can take some time to leave the body. I would highly advise talking to a doctor in person, not someone online, who can help you. Don't be afraid to mention your husband's substance abuse. They've heard it all before... the important thing is you get a medical professional to help your husband become as healthy as possible for the sake of expanding your family. As you mentioned, marijuana isn't his only concern.

GL

Hello again:

This internet thing is a wonderful invention. If there's information out in the world, it can pretty much be summoned up by a click of your mouse.

I HEAR about this information... But, until you can direct me to it so I can read it and judge the validity of it myself, I suggest it's nothing more than drug propaganda and rumor.

I stand by my remarks. SHOW ME THE STUDY.

excon

PS> (edited) MY information?? Backed up solidly at drugfacts.org.

Lots of discussions on the effects of drug use and no discussions on bring a child into the a drug addict family? Does anyone else see the problem here?

Hello 450:

If you think a guy who enjoys a joint now and then is a drug addict, then there's no discussion to have with you.

excon

My main point is this: I'm personally against it, which may bias my opinion.
You're personally in favor of it, so you're biased as well.
Also meaning, if you produce a study, someone will dispute it. If I produce a study, I'm sure it will be disputed as well.

The only person this women should absolutely consult is a doctor, a reproductive specialist to be sure.

You asked, so here's what a few mouse clicks found:
Canabis.net (http://www.cannabis.net/sperm/)

Effects of Marijuana on Sperm Motility ; Seattle Washington WA (http://www.swedish.org/17062.cfm)

Go Ask Alice!: Effects of Marijuana on Libido and Fertility (http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0682.html)

Infertility (http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/tobacco-marijuana-other-drugs)

The Maternal Lifestyle Study: Effects of Substance Exposure During Pregnancy on Neurodevelopmental Outcome in 1-Month-Old Infants -- Lester et al. 110 (6): 1182 -- Pediatrics (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/110/6/1182)

Hello again, learning:

Nahhh, I'm not like that. I asked you to produce a study and you kind of did. You sent me to places that are reporting on a study.

But, I read 'em, and I'm impressed with what I read. In fact, Swedish is MY hospital... But, there is only the suspicion that THC affects fertility. One of the articles said that the sperm swims too fast. Others say the sperm swims too slow. Even others say that the receptors the sperm swims to are clogged with THC molecules...

I don't know. I'm NOT an advocate for marijuana. It IS a drug. It clearly isn't something GOOD for you. It's not something children should do. I'm all for studying it. I want to know what it's doing to my body. And, I'm sure this lady would like to know whether pot IS the culprit in her pregnancy issues.

But, anacdotally, I know it's not a BAD drug. It doesn't kill you. The penalties for possessing it are far more harmful than smoking it.

But, I'm not blind. I don't have issues that can't be changed with good data.

excon

PS> Now, take a hit of this...

Marijuana smoke in the house is deadly to your existing child-it probably is damaging YOUR ability to conceive rather than his sperm count/motility unless he is a heavy user (although-if the sperm are already no good, then he will be damaging what's left)

I disagree with his use and your inhalation of secondary smoke-if that is happening-he needs to get out of the house when you/your daughter is there.

Frankly anything that you put into your body that alters its phisiology will affect your body/fertility. There will be NO study that will argue this.

Actually he does not smoke it. There is no second hand smoke. I would never expose our daughter to it directly. I personally do not care for it & my husband makes it a point to use it in other ways & when we are not home. I guess I should have clarified that. He boils it once a month & makes butter that is used exclusively in food that only he consumes. The food is kept in a private fridge with a lock on it. I know that it sounds like we are terrible parents, but honestly we are very much the average couple. We both have well respected jobs & are considered to be upstanding members of society. We dedicate our time to helping others & are just trying to get by like everyone else. We love our daughter very much & would never intentionally put her in a hazardas environment. I look at my husband using as another form of medication. We have consulted a psychiatrist for his anxiety & a physician about his ulcer/ bp- we were open with them & honest. Both of them felt that marijuana would be used medically, quite often, if it weren't illegal. Although they wouldn't go on the record to say go get some- They both said, if you find it to be a benefit, there isn't a medical reason why you should refrain.
I understand everyone's concern. I don't expect you to understand my position. I can only say that this is a very small part of our life. We are not ashamed of it. I am just a wife & a mother who would love nothing more than to have another child.

Actually he does not smoke it. There is no second hand smoke. I would never expose our daughter to it directly. I personally do not care for it & my husband makes it a point to use it in other ways & when we are not home. I guess I should have clarified that. He boils it once a month & makes butter that is used exclusively in food that only he consumes. The food is kept in a private fridge with a lock on it. I know that it sounds like we are terrible parents, but honestly we are very much the average couple. We both have well respected jobs & are considered to be upstanding members of society. We dedicate our time to helping others & are just trying to get by like everyone else. We love our daughter very much & would never intentionally put her in a hazardas environment. I look at my husband using as another form of medication. We have consulted a psychiatrist for his anxiety & a physician about his ulcer/ bp- we were open with them & honest. Both of them felt that marijuana would be used medically, quite often, if it weren't illegal. Although they wouldn't go on the record to say go get some- They both said, if you find it to be a benefit, there isn't a medical reason why you should refrain.
I understand everyones concern. I don't expect you to understand my position. I can only say that this is our life. We are not ashamed of it. I do not feel like a criminal, even though I know technically we are. I am just a wife & a mother who would love nothing more than to have another child.

Sounds like you are a good person, I don't see a problem with it, and I sure as heck do not see how you need to explain or feel guilty for anything. It is your life, you seem to have things together, I think that's GREAT! I believe there are people who are responsible enough to smoke and there are those that only want to smoke and do nothing types. I have known them all! I was pregnant 14 years ago with my first son, did not know I was pregnant till 4 months into it. Before he was born I was a pot smoker, my husband was a pot smoker. I was worried because others had told me I had harmed my baby, of course when I saw my doctor I was totally honest with her, she told me too (OFF THE RECORD) that she finds it to be OK every now and then. I was very surprised to hear it and very relieved. I quit of course. I didn't enjoy it anymore and found that I didn't feel healthy smoking it. My boy is healthy and vibrant...
We had 3 more kids after that, he smoked pot forever... and a lot... I just can't see it being a issue with fertility;)

EDIT:::::
I know this can turn into a big debate. I just am stating my opinion and a few of my own (4 children) studies;)

Sounds like you are a good person, I don't see a problem with it, and I sure as heck do not see how you need to explain or feel guilty for anything. It is your life, you seem to have things together, I think thats GREAT! I believe there are people who are responsible enough to smoke and there are those that only want to smoke and do nothing types. I have known them all! I was pregnant 14 years ago with my first son, did not know I was preggo till 4 months into it. Before he was born I was a pot smoker, my husband was a pot smoker. I was worried because others had told me I had harmed my baby, of course when I saw my doctor I was totally honest with her, she told me too (OFF THE RECORD) that she finds it to be ok every now and then. I was very surprised to hear it and very relieved. I quit of course. I didn't enjoy it anymore and found that I didnt feel healthy smoking it. My boy is healthy and vibrant.....
We had 3 more kids after that, he smoked pot forever...and a lot.....I just can't see it being a issue with fertility;)

EDIT:::::
I know this can turn into a big debate. I just am stating my opinion and a few of my own (4 children) studies;)


Thanks. I greatly appreciated your input! I have a little more hope now : )

ordinaryguy disagrees: "Deadly"? No, it isn't!

Secondary smoke from cigarettes and marijuana smoke IS DEADLY WHEN YOU GET CANCER FROM IT. Also the risk of miscarriage increases way above that that is considered normal-if the mother smokes (actively or passively).

Children who have to inhale smoke all their childhood run the risk of asthma, bronchitis, empheseyma and CANCER these are proven facts ordinaryguy.

So please, before commenting-get your facts right.

P.S. when I see your medical proof to say that it is totally safe for a child to inhale, I will change my mind-but I doubt that is going to happen.

Excon: I understand your approach-I'm purely talking about the health of children.

Hello x:

If second hand pot smoke killed people, then MY approach would be all wet. The fact is, second hand CIGARETTE smoke kills. Second hand marijuana smoke doesn't.

Pot NEVER killed ANYBODY - directly or indirectly.

excon

Secondary smoke from cigarettes and marijuana smoke IS DEADLY WHEN YOU GET CANCER FROM IT. Also the risk of miscarriage increases way above that that is considered normal-if the mother smokes (actively or passively).
Tobacco smoke, yes. Marijuana, no.


So please, before commenting-get your facts right.
If you have documentation that marijuana smoke kills, please post it.

I work in a cancer clinic and I study the subject extensively. If marijuana has any bearing on lung cancer, etc. I've never heard it.

I work in a cancer clinic and I study the subject extensively. If marijuana has any bearing on lung cancer, etc., I've never heard it.


Although your statement doesn't necessarily apply to my situation, I greatly appreciate you posting factual information based on your extensive background. I've noticed that lot of people post things that don't have much, if any, substance to them. I know it's a open bulletin for opinions & what not, but some people could actually be harming those seeking help if they are giving out false info. It's just nice to see professionals posting help/ advice/ facts- that's all.

Okay, my two cents. Honey, my husband smoked pot when we were trying to conceive, both times, I have two beautiful children.

If your husband is reaping medical benefits from using marijuana, then that is what he should do. Take a look at where you are now. He stopped using and now he's having problems with erectile dysfunction, high BP etc. You stated that he has a once a day habit, well I don't even think you can call it a habit, it helps him with his medical problems, which marijuana has been proven to do.

I do have a few questions, and if they've already been posted somewhere else, sorry. How long have you been trying? Have you tried using an ovulation kit, tracking your cycle to try and find out when you are ovulating? Have you ever used any type of birth control, if so, what kind?

I have to agree with excon on the pot issue, I've never seen an accurate study where pot smoking is concerned. Cigarettes can cause infertility, and second hand smoke from cigs is dangerous, alcohol can cause problems when trying to conceive, so can tight underwear etc. etc. marijuana, well not that anyone has proven.

People, you have to remember, the internet is not always reliable when looking for information, otherwise we wouldn't have so many people coming here to ask questions. :)

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your input. I have read & read these sites & studies about how it's so difficult to conceive while traces of the drug are still in his system. You are yet another person that has given me hope. Since he has been off it I have seen such a difference in him. Such a difference that despite how much I want to have more children, I would rather him partake.

To answer your questions:
We have been trying since October. I use a site called mymonthlycycles.com to store my cycle info & symptoms. It gives me the dates I should be ovulating & what things to look for that would signal ovulation. I have an ovuscope, but haven't had much luck reading it. We are having sex several days before & two days after ovulation. I am elevated at the hips during intercourse & put a pillow under afterwords for a good 30 minutes or more before going to the restroom (just to ensure that gravity isn't another problem.) I haven't used birth control pills since we got married, 5 years ago. We used condoms. My husband wears loose boxers. Neither of us drink or smoke cigs, we aren't overweight nor do we take any medication. I am taking prenatals but I do enjoy tea & a coke a day. I know that caffeine is a no no.

Thanks Altenweg.

I wouldn't worry about the caffeine, I drank coffee before, during and after my pregnancy, I did give up smoking (cigarettes) though. :)

I'm a little confused as to why you are having sex before and after ovulation and not during.

On a positive note. You've only been trying for 7 months, and I know it seems like forever, trust me I know, every month hoping that you'll be late, hoping that it's finally happened. But statistically, 7 months is not that long. It takes the average couple 1 year or longer to conceive.

I think your first priority is to get your husband back on track, get him healthy again, concentrate on that and then start trying again. Don't get discouraged, even though it's hard not to. It will happen, sometimes it just takes time.

I wish I had a sure fire way to help, I wish I could say, do this, do that and voilà, but I don't. I do know that smoking marijuana has not been proven to have an effect on fertility, and I do know that in your husbands current state you won't be getting pregnant any time soon. I don't want to advocate drug use, because that would be illegal, but I'm sure you can read between the lines and realize that hubby needs to start doing what he was doing before in order to get back on track. :)

Good luck to you, keep us posted, and don't stress, it will happen, in time. :)

Shout up excon

shout up excon

Huh?

I did know a couple who was trying to conceive. The father somked pot, they couldn't conceive. He did stop smoking... and they did conceive. He did smoke every day, just about. I guess situations are different, as with the people.

Secondary smoke from cigarettes and marijuana smoke IS DEADLY WHEN YOU GET CANCER FROM IT. Also the risk of miscarriage increases way above that that is considered normal-if the mother smokes (actively or passively).

Children who have to inhale smoke all their childhood run the risk of asthma, bronchitis, empheseyma and CANCER these are proven facts ordinaryguy.

So please, before commenting-get your facts right.

P.S. when I see your medical proof to say that it is totally safe for a child to inhale, I will change my mind-but I doubt that is going to happen.

excon: I understand your approach-I'm purely talking about the health of children.

All things considered, stress causes more cancer than any single element.

The list of so called cancer causing substances is endless, and changes with every new study.

Bacon, tomato's, cooking on the grill, have all been reported to cause cancer at some point.

I was raised by two cigarette smoking parents, and four cigarette smoking grandparents, not to mention all the aunts and uncles. We took family vacations, where the car would be so full of second hand smoke, us kids could hardly breathe. Every holiday, the hosting home was FILLED with second hand smoke, so much, it should be referred to as 4th or 5th hand smoke. I have smoked cigarettes myself for over 14 years now, and the other substance, oh, about 36 years now, and as you can see, I haven't died yet.

I don't recommend, or encourage anyone to do as I have done, but can't just sit by and see all the myths being spouted as gospel fact, when they are not fact at all.

While we have strayed from the original question here, and for that I apologize, but the debate piquéd my interest.

QUOTE=Altenweg: I'm a little confused as to why you are having sex before and after ovulation and not during.

We have been trying during ovu. We try for the two days prior & a day or so after as well. I heard that sperm stays in your system for up to three days so we're trying for a good week heavy each month:p

I am glad to hear of your success, it is nice to hear a helpful personal experience such as yours! Wish me luck, I need it!

Good Luck!
And you know, this is a good place to get many different answers and views. I hope you do your research and keep in good contact with your Doc. (I don't doubt that you do) I will be thinking of you... you have been added to my heart:)

Well... it takes about three months for new sperm to develop...

Lots of things can tie into fertility, and drug use is one... as is age and overall health...

So... get him exercising, drop the drugs, get him eating well, taking a good multivitamin, getting good sleep, reducing stress... and give it time.

Over 90% of couples conceive within 2 years of trying.

I have to agree with excon on the pot issue, I've never seen an accurate study where pot smoking is concerned. Cigarettes can cause infertility, and second hand smoke from cigs is dangerous, alcohol can cause problems when trying to conceive, so can tight underwear etc. etc. marijuana, well not that anyone has proven.

People, you have to remember, the internet is not always reliable when looking for information, otherwise we wouldn't have so many people coming here to ask questions.
__________________


Marijuana Smoke Contains Higher Levels Of Certain Toxins Than Tobacco Smoke (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071217110328.htm)
American Chemical Society (2007, December 18). Marijuana Smoke Contains Higher Levels Of Certain Toxins Than Tobacco Smoke.
and here's another.


How Marijuana Smoking Affects the Body

Adversely affects normal cell formation.
Produces feelings of isolation and depersonalization.
Produces shakes, lack of coordination and headaches.
Makes any mental or emotional problem worse.
Increases the heart rate.
Has 50 percent more tar per ounce than tobacco.
Decreases air flow and creates loss of lung capacity in little more than a month of regular smoking.
Produces chronic irritation of nasal and lung passages.
Creates precancerous changes in the lungs of smokers in their 20s.
Suppresses sex drive and sexual performance with prolonged use.
Can lead to impotence.
Harms the developing fetus.
Is associated with increased still births, neonatal deaths, decreased birth weight and abnormal reactions in children born to mothers on marijuana.


and some more

Study Shows Toxins in Marijuana Smoke
Levels of Some Toxins Higher in Pot Cigarettes Than in Tobacco Cigarettes, Experts Say
By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Medical NewsReviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MDDec. 14, 2007 -- New research from Canada shows that some toxins may be more abundant in marijuana cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes.

The researchers burned 30 marijuana cigarettes and 30 tobacco cigarettes on a machine in their lab, measuring levels of chemicals in the smoke.

Ammonia levels were up to 20 times higher in marijuana smoke than in tobacco smoke. Levels of hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen-related chemicals were three to five times higher in marijuana smoke than in tobacco smoke.


Please don't criticise if you can't come up with reliable /many/accurate references to claims. I try to do this. I said "if you can come up with a study/experiment that proves the smoke is good for children to inhale I'll change my opinion.

to the OP, if you are trying to conceive, I don't care what drug you put into your body-if it affects your physiology-it will more than likeley affect your ability to conceive. Keep using pot smoking/eating it whatever-you asked if it would affect his/your fertility, I'm stating that YES it will-to what degree-who knows, there are so many variables.

I was raised by two cigarette smoking parents, and four cigarette smoking grandparents, not to mention all the aunts and uncles. We took family vacations, where the car would be so full of second hand smoke, us kids could hardly breathe. Every holiday, the hosting home was FILLED with second hand smoke, so much, it should be referred to as 4th or 5th hand smoke. I have smoked cigarettes myself for over 14 years now, and the other substance, oh, about 36 years now, and as you can see, I haven't died yet.


YET. Please understand I mean it affects people differently, just because YOU seem okay means nothing. You need to see the use of substances on a group scale.

The level of toxicity for an individual varies, it affects us all differently. The original poster asked should her partner stop using it to conceive-YES he should. I then stated that secondhand smoke is bad for her if she is trying to conceive/has a baby in-utero. Yes it is.

P.s thanks for the reddies-you know who you are. That just makes more of us less likely to answer/provide professional and differing opinions.

One more for you.

Marijuana Smokers Face Rapid Lung Destruction -- As Much As 20 Years Ahead Of Tobacco Smokers (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080123104017.htm)

Two separate studies

UB Reporter: Marijuana may impair male fertility, UB research shows (http://www.buffalo.edu/reporter/vol35/vol35n9/articles/Fertility.html)

The British Fertility Society - News > Press Release (http://www.britishfertilitysociety.org.uk/news/pressrelease/04_03-cannabis_sperm.html)

Now... don't get me wrong, an overweight man who doesn't exercise, who has a bad diet, poor health... he is also going to have some issues with sperm quality too.

Thanks for the studies- I will read them carefully : )